Stetson Bennett for Heisman? Georgia QB turns in brilliant half against Tennessee

Stetson Bennett IV has risen to the occasion as No. 3 Georgia hosts No. 1 Tennessee at Sanford Stadium.

So much is on the line for both teams between the hedges, and through a half of play, the Bulldogs have the advantage over the Volunteers. That’s due in part to the efforts of the Georgia quarterback, who is 15 of 21 for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 37-yard toss to Ladd McConkey and a pretty throw to the back of the end zone to Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. He also has a touchdown carry from 13 yards out as he got to the pylon to cash in on the score.

Hendon Hooker was considered by some to be a Heisman Trophy favorite coming into the contest. However, Bennett is giving him a run for his money with an enormous spotlight shining on Athens on Saturday afternoon. Can he help the Dawgs put more distance between themselves and the Vols in the second half to grab a massive home win and improve to 9-0?

Social media was buzzing over Bennett’s performance through the opening 30 minutes:

If you had “2x National Champion QB Stetson Bennett” as a prediction back in 2019 you would have been incarcerated.

— REYTIGRE-_- (@REYTIGRE_) November 5, 2022

Been a great game for Stetson Bennett

— Josh Frey (@Freyed_Chicken) November 5, 2022

Why isn’t Stetson Bennett IV considered one of the best QBs in the nation? All he does is make huge plays on huge games.

— Daddy Needs New Shoes (@daddysnewshoess) November 5, 2022

https://twitter.com/JackDentsTweets/status/1589004073998880769

Stetson Bennett has made absolutely perfect passes this game. GO DAWGS!

— SAV (@georgiaboysv) November 5, 2022

Stetson Bennett should be higher on NFL scout lists. Dude can ball

— Kederius (@Kederius1) November 5, 2022

https://twitter.com/primetimecar/status/1589003233229672448

https://twitter.com/LashleyGabriel/status/1589001036995653633

Stetson Bennett was NOT happy about taking 3 points there.

A year ago I would’ve said he should shut it, and let Kirby make the call. But now, I think he’s earned the right to plead his case in those situations. ?#UGA #Vols

— Jonathan Shuskey (@j_shuskey1) November 5, 2022

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.